Two members of the Milligan University cycling team died and multiple teammates were hospitalized with serious injuries following a crash on Wednesday morning in Carter County, Tennessee. The collision involved a car and a group of cyclists on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in the Hampton area, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Milligan University confirmed the deaths of sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers in a statement released midday. The university also stated that several other team members sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Johnson City Medical Center. Trauma surgeons were on call at the medical center to manage patient care, with at least one individual transported by helicopter.
In March, Engdahl had shared on social media that he was recovering from a broken femur sustained in a previous training accident. The team had recently participated in an exhibition event and was scheduled to compete in upcoming track and mountain bike races.
Local universities, including East Tennessee State University and King University, issued statements expressing condolences and solidarity with the Milligan community during this difficult time. Officials from Ballad Health, the healthcare system managing patient care, also conveyed their sadness and commitment to working with law enforcement and emergency responders.